Health Desk:
QUETTA: In a high-level meeting on Monday, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti directed health officials to raise the province’s polio immunization rate from 38% to 60%, addressing recent cases that have alarmed provincial and national leadership.
Chief Minister Bugti emphasized the need for a structured, efficient strategy to eliminate polio and directed all Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and Lady Health Workers (LHWs) to actively engage in the campaign.
Health officials, including Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, and Director General Health Services Dr. Amin Khan Mandukhel, reviewed current anti-polio measures.
Polio Cases On A Constant Rise
Health Secretary Mujeeb-ul-Rehman presented a briefing, underscoring gaps in routine immunization. The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of community-friendly, coordinated efforts that minimize public inconvenience.
Bugti instructed the divisional commissioners to facilitate the National Electronic Immunization Registry app’s rollout and proposed the integration of community policing to secure campaign workers.
Balochistan has so far reported 22 polio cases during the current year. The virus continues to spread across the province despite repeated anti polio campaigns. The provincial government has already declared an emergency to eradicate the crippling virus. Nevertheless, cases are on a constant rise despite claims and announcements by the officials.
